How to report a death to Social Security

In most cases the funeral home reports the death to Social Security for you, so give the funeral director the person's Social Security number. If no funeral home is involved, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office; deaths can't be reported online. After that, return any payment for the month of death, and ask whether the spouse or children qualify for the one-time $255 payment or monthly survivor benefits.

Who reports a death to Social Security?

Social Security says funeral homes generally report deaths. When you make arrangements, give the funeral director the person's Social Security number and ask them to confirm it was reported.

How do I report a death to Social Security myself?

If there's no funeral home, or you're not sure it was reported, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most US time zones. Service is available in English, Spanish and other languages. You can also go to a local Social Security office. Have ready their full name, Social Security number, date of birth and date of death. Social Security only takes death reports by phone or in person, not by email or online. You can report the death before you have the death certificate, but you'll need it later. Sources: SSA, USA.gov.

Do we have to give back their last Social Security payment?

Usually, yes. Social Security doesn't pay benefits for the month a person dies. Payments arrive a month behind. For example, if the person died in July, the payment received in August is for July and must be returned. Any later payments go back too. If the payment came by direct deposit, tell the bank as soon as possible and ask it to return the payment for the month of death and any that came after. Keep the account open until that's done. Source: USA.gov.

What is the $255 Social Security death benefit?

It's a one-time payment of $255. It usually goes to the surviving spouse. A spouse who didn't live in the same home may still qualify if they can get benefits on the person's record. If there's no spouse, a child may qualify if they are 17 or younger, 18 or 19 and in school full time (up to grade 12), or disabled before age 22. You must apply within two years of the death. You can apply online through your Social Security account or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Sources: SSA, lump-sum death payment, SSA Handbook §1517.

Can the family get monthly survivor benefits?

Possibly. If the person worked and paid Social Security taxes, these family members may qualify for monthly payments: a spouse, a divorced spouse, a child, or a dependent parent. Approved survivors may also be eligible for Medicare based on the person's work history. Ask about it on the same call when you report the death. Source: SSA survivor benefits.

Survivor benefits are not life insurance; see life insurance basics.

What if they lived or died outside the US?

Contact a Federal Benefits Unit or Social Security's International Call Center at +1-855-522-6936. If they were a US citizen, also report the death to the nearest US embassy or consulate. Source: SSA.

What should I have ready for the call?

[ ] Their full name, Social Security number and date of birth
[ ] Date and place of death
[ ] Your relationship and contact information
[ ] Their bank name, if Social Security paid by direct deposit
[ ] A certified death certificate (you'll need it later for benefit claims; see how to get a death certificate in Texas)
[ ] Your marriage certificate, if you're the spouse applying for the $255 or survivor benefits
[ ] Children's birth certificates, if children may qualify

Who else do we have to notify?

After Social Security come the banks, insurers, credit bureaus and everyone else on our list of who to notify when someone dies. For the full timeline, see what to do when a family member dies. Most of these calls start with the same question: "Which bank? Which policy?" If you're thinking about your own family, our guide on how to leave instructions for your family shows what to write down now.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I report a death to Social Security online?

No. Social Security only accepts death reports by phone or in person. In most cases the funeral home reports it for you.

Who gets the $255 Social Security death payment?

Usually the surviving spouse. If there's no spouse, an eligible child may get it. You have two years from the death to apply.

Do I have to return the Social Security payment for the month of death?

Yes. Social Security doesn't pay for the month of death, so the payment received the following month must be returned. If it was a direct deposit, ask the bank to return it.

How long does a funeral home take to report a death to Social Security?

It varies. Ask the funeral director to confirm once it's done. If you're unsure, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Is this legal or financial advice?

No. It's general information from Social Security and USA.gov. Social Security decides who qualifies.

Sources

General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.